Early in my academic career I regularly came across published research bearing titles starting with the word “toward”. I critically assumed that these articles had fallen short of their ambitions, leaving each humbled author to apologize with that qualification. Yet here I am, presenting my reflections on the “one thing needed” (Luke 10:42) as having falling short. But I happily do so, ready to admit that the spiritual life is an ever-revealing journey. The closer we draw to God, the more He eludes our imagination. The great St Thomas Aquinas, at the end of his life, and having experienced a vision of God beyond words, exclaimed, “all I have written is straw.” Surely he – the standard of orthodox Catholic theology – saw his work as having fallen short. His Summa is but a glimpse at knowing God.
I am particularly indebted to Dan and Stephanie Burke of the Avila Institute, who started Divine Intimacy Radio at least a decade ago. When they were asked what the station would be about, they answered, “Prayer.” Their inquirer expected the station would soon run out of things to say. But it remains ‘on the air’ (online) to this day, as fresh as when it launched. Find links on the Resources page via the link below.